Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Quick pregnancy update

First off, I would like to apologize to anyone who interprets my blogging absence as a worrisome sign (which I completely understand). There is so much stuff I would like to write about (pregnancy related and otherwise), but there simply is not enough time in the day. Plus, I am still in a bit of a mental holding pattern/fog, so writing semi-coherent blog posts does not come easy at this time.

If there are any negative developments, I will be sure to update here right away - I would certainly be needing everyone's prayers! So for now, let's just assume that no news is good news.

~~~~~~~~~

Today, I had another in-depth ultrasound at Dr. E's office (the MFM specialist). My last one was 2 weeks ago, but at that time, we were mostly just checking fluids to see if the amniopatch had been successful. At that time, I was only seen by the ultrasound tech, and did not have the usual follow-up consultation with Dr. E because he was out of town that week. My last ultrasound that included a complete anatomy scan, and a consult with the doc, was 4 weeks ago. This was shortly after finding out that Baby A had passed away. At that time, while Baby B was doing well, I was still leaking lots of amniotic fluid. It probably was the lowest point in the pregnancy - one twin lost, and the other baby having broken membranes.

When Dr. E saw me today for the first consult since then, he was sincerely excited for the great progress we have seen in the last 4 weeks, as well as today. He called the amniopatch being successful a "miracle", and I would have to agree. Also, baby has plumped up nicely, going from being 20th percentile for weight four weeks ago, to today measuring 47th percentile for weight (about 1 lb 14 oz right now). His fluid levels were perfect, all organs are looking and working great, the broken membrane is fixed, and I am not showing any signs of going into labor prematurely. Dr. E said that looking at the ultrasound images, one would never guess the ordeal we have been through, because everything looks like a picture-perfect singleton pregnancy. He even said that if things keep up like this, and I go to term, he sees no reason for me not to be able to have a home birth. Coming from one of the most highly respected perinatologists in the country, this is pretty encouraging! I will continue to co-care with both the OB, as well as my midwife, in case baby comes early or there are any complications.

I have to go back to Dr. E's office in 2 weeks to try and do the echocardiogram again, since baby was not being cooperative in that regard today, and stubbornly facing my back rather than facing out. It's an in-depth ultrasound they routinely perform with mo/di twin pregnancies, checking the exact condition of every heart vessel. After that, we should be able to space the highly specialized ultrasounds out to every four weeks.

This little boy is very active, something I am extremely grateful for. Even in the middle of the night, after yet another trip to the bathroom, he will give me a couple of reassuring nudges just to allow me to fall asleep again peacefully. I don't think I will truly be able to breathe a sigh of relief until baby is safe in my arms, but today's appointment did make me feel so much better. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. It really means the world to me!

20 comments:

Oh, hurray! I'm so glad to hear such lovely news. I too have been rather worried at the too-much-radio-silence, so I'm so happy to hear that things are well. Continuing to hold you and baby in prayer!!

You are too sweet to update so quickly; I am a little over a week post partum, so a little emotional, and your happy update brought tears to my eyes. I have been just praying for you and your family, the baby's health, and for you to have strength. I will now pray you can have a homebirth. God bless you all. I'm sorry I've never said before what a blessing Pastor Anderson's messages have been to our family here in the Midwest for 5 years or so now and your blog as well. May showers of blessings fall. Shannon

I'm so glad you got good news! I've been following all your updates on the pregnancy and I´m so glad it's going fine. I hope all the bad things are behind now, and you can focus on staying healthy and calm for when the baby comes. I'll continue to send you positive vibes and much light... You are one tough cookie!!

Praising Jesus for your post, it was a sight for sore eyes. Very comforting. Happy the home birth is closer to reality. Will continue to pray for that and for Baby B to continue to thrive and 'plump.' That last word brings many lovely images to my minds eye of fat, happy, laughing babies. Your efforts to update are appreciated, take good care of yourself. Kind regards, Janice

Still praying, thanking God, and hoping for your home birth. You sound more relaxed which is great for your health and the baby. I thank God for your wonderful husband and family supporting you and helping out. I love looking at the baby. Never had ultra sound that I remember when I had my children.

Also, I think I have been spelling your name wrong. So sorry! Love to all in your home.

Wow! That is wonderful news. Praise the Lord! Off topic, but I have to tell you... I was looking through some sermons the other day and saw some from preaching class. Just had to watch Solomon of course. That just made my day....no, it made more than just my day. It made like my entire year or something. I can only imagine how proud you must be. What a joy to see such a young person be able to preach a little sermon, back it up with scripture, and demonstrate understanding. My husband and I were so tickled to see that. He really brightened our day. And don't get me wrong... it's not that we were like "aww, isn't that cute." Although it is cute, we see it as nothing short of serious business in progress and are so appreciative of the way you and Pastor A. apply the required energy to not only child training but to everything else as well... and Amen to keeping our young singles in the local church. We think it's ridiculous to pay thousands of dollars for a spouse (aka sending them off to Bible college to find one), but that's where all the fish are, so what's an IFB parent to do? We need a "keep the fish at home" movement... definitely:) Have a wonderful day.

Zsuzsa- I am just so thrilled for you!! PRAISE JESUS!!! I can almost "feel" the relief (& joy) oozing out of this post! This is such FABULOUS and blessed news!! I am so so so excited for you!! (And the rest of the Anderson clan too, of course.) I can only imagine the weight you must have felt lifted; although I understand exactly what you're saying about not being fully relieved until you're holding him in your arms. That's how I felt with my youngest (daughter) after the troubles I had with that pregnancy, I didn't let go of all the worry and stress surrounding my pregnancy with her until I was able to look into her beautiful brown eyes the first time so I can really relate to at least that part of what you're feeling. I was one of the "worriers" checking back to your blog each day for an update, so when I read this post I hollered "whoo-hoo!" out-loud and my family came running to see what was going on, hahaha! Of course, I passed along the wonderful update to them as well, and we all straightway said a family prayer of thanks to Jesus for your "miracle" and also prayed that things will just continue on this upward climb from here on out. We (my family and I) were just wondering whether or not you have a name picked out yet? My daughter Journey (4yrs old) was asking to pray for him specifically by name and I told her I didn't know his name yet, I wasn't sure if you had shared that information and I missed it. Anyway, thank you so much for the gift of your time to keep us all updated, and my family and I will just keep praying for you daily! With Love in Christ-Manda & FamilyP.S. Also, thank you for sharing the recent sonogram picture too... he's so handsome, just perfect! What a precious treasure to add to your seven other amazing gifts from God! Congratulations again!!

Wonderful news. I know updated a blog is hard to do when you cannot seem to put two thoughts together - been there! Thank God for what appears to be a healthy-growing baby. So happy for you to hear this.

Hope you and the little one are doing well! I hope you are relaxing as much as possible and continuing on with the school year. Our family wishes your little Valentine baby Becky a lovely birthday. You and your family continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you, Pastor Anderson, and the family!

Thinking of you lots Mrs. Anderson. Have not heard from you for such awhile. Praying all is well with you and baby? Praying without ceasing in the Name of Jesus. Knowing that the Lord has you in His Hands. Still concerned.

.Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

About Me

Hi, I am a stay-at-home Mom to our eight wonderful children - Solomon (13), Isaac (12), John (10), Miriam (8), Rebecca (6), Anna (4), Stephen (2), and Boaz (born May 2014).
The kids and I spend our days learning, working, playing, and putting out all kinds of fires. My husband is a very busy man who pastors what I consider to be the greatest church in the world, Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe, Arizona.
Read all about the good, the bad, and the ugly days right here on our blog.

Solomon (13)

Typical firstborn. Very intelligent and logical. Somewhat shy, but loves to talk. Likes for things to be "right" and organized. Very honest and fair. Exceptional musical talent. Great helper with younger siblings. Very kind and loving.

Isaac (12)

Loves anything to do with being outdoors: riding bikes, hiking, camping, caring for animals, exploring, horseback riding, etc. Very reliable and polite. My "Mr. Fix-It" man. Never ever complains. Never cries when he hurts himself, but has a very tender heart. Devours books at incredible speed.

Miriam (8)

Beautiful and sweet. Kind and mothering with her baby brothers. Loves being by my side 24/7. My big helper. Homebody. Loves to do housework, sewing, and the like. Loves cuddling.

Becky (6)

Full of energy. Cute and mischievous in a very loveable way. Very tidy. Loves to help with anything she can. Dotes on her baby brother. Total Daddy's girl.

Anna (4)

Our sweet baby girl. Very laid-back and content. Smiles all the time. Very musical, and likes to hum to herself. Daddy's girl. Loves playing with her siblings and her dollies.

Stephen (2)

Full of smiles. Loves to climb onto anything. Very wild and rambunctious. All boy, and always happy. Lights up everyone's day wherever he is.

Boaz (born May 2014)

The youngest member of our family, and an extra special blessing after a complicated twin pregnancy. Mellow and easy-going. Enjoys the daily craziness. Likes to pull my hair and give me slobbery kisser :)